Commonwealth v. Pierce
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
138 Mass. 165 (1884)
- Written by Angela Patrick, JD
Facts
Franklin Pierce (defendant) was a doctor. Pierce treated a wounded patient by wrapping her in kerosene-soaked rags, but the kerosene caused the patient to die. Pierce was convicted of manslaughter for having recklessly caused the patient’s death. On appeal, Pierce claimed that the prosecution (plaintiff) had not presented sufficient evidence to support the recklessness finding. Pierce argued that recklessness required showing that he had deliberately taken chances with the patient’s life, knowing that the kerosene could be dangerous. However, according to Pierce, the evidence showed that Pierce had honestly believed that the kerosene would be helpful and had not known that he was taking any risks by using it.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Holmes, J.)
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